Tip of the Week: Caring for Your Cutting Mat
A good quality cutting mat is an essential tool for quilters. We carry OLFA® self-healing mats which we think are the best on the market. Here are some tips on caring for and prolonging the life of your mat.
Do not expose your mat to extreme heat (e.g., in the car on a sunny day) or cold. Either can cause damage.
To clean your OLFA® mat, use a generous amount of room-temperature water and a few drops of mild detergent. Use a soft, mild-bristle brush such as a toothbrush or mushroom brush to create a lather and gently clean your mat. Rinse with room-temperature water and wipe dry with a cotton towel.
A new mat sometimes emits a bit of "plasticky" odor. Wipe it down with a soft cloth and a mild vinegar/water solution, rinse, and let it dry. That usually solves the issue.
Use a sharp rotary blade so that you're not pressing unnecessarily hard onto the mat. Don't use other types of blades on the mat.
